Hospice care has been defined as end-of-life care by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Hospice centers comprise of a variety of professionals whose primary job is to provide pain management and emotional support to patients, in order to facilitate their physical transition through end-of-life. In addition to providing medical care, psychological and spiritual cares are also among the main reasons for hospice care's increasing popularity. Hospice professionals, also offer support to the bereaved family members.

Each hospice care aims at maintaining a certain quality of life for every patient. You may be uncertain about placing a loved one in hospice care, but in certain conditions, it's the most compassionate care option available. Latest researches have established that residents who acquire hospice care may most likely survive longer and are more relieved than those who don't.

• Hospice care is generally recommended for patients who are left with approximately six months to live if the illness takes its natural course. But the timing can vary from patient to patient.
• If you or a loved one's terminal disease has become a challenge to manage and the health condition has continuously deteriorated over a period of time, and living at home has become infeasible, this is a reason to consider hospice care.
• If you or a loved one is suffering from unbearable pain due to a terminal illness and pain medication requirements have become overwhelming, hospice care may be considered as the best solution.